A family photo shoot doesn’t have to be a day when everyone has to behave perfectly. Children move about, get tired, snuggle up to their parents, sometimes want to run off, and sometimes just watch the world go by. It is often in these little moments that authenticity shines through.
A lovely family photo isn’t just a shot where everyone is looking at the camera. Such photos may be necessary, but the real value often lies in the connection: a hug, a laugh, a child’s hand in yours, a fleeting glance.
First of all, choose the mood for your photo shoot
Would you like a cosy, gentle photo shoot that feels like home? Or are you more drawn to a more festive, luxurious look? Perhaps the most important thing is the children’s energy and natural movement? The location, the outfits and the pace of the photo shoot all depend on this.
A family photo shoot can take place outdoors, in the city, at home or in a studio. A studio is ideal if you want warmth, privacy and to be unaffected by the weather. You can find out more about this in the article studio photo shoot.
Coordinate your outfits, but don’t make them all the same
It’s best for a family to choose a common colour scheme, but not to dress everyone exactly the same. Combinations of cream, sand, olive, graphite, brown or muted blue often look calm and harmonious. One person might wear a lighter shade, another a darker one, whilst a child might have a small splash of colour.
It’s important that clothes are comfortable. Especially for children. If an item of clothing is lovely but restrictive, the photos will show the discomfort rather than the beauty of the garment. You’ll find more styling tips in the text What to wear for a photo shoot.
Children shouldn’t be forced to pose
Children usually look their most awkward when they’re trying really hard to behave. In a family photo shoot, it’s better to create situations rather than demand poses. Walk about, give a hug, tickle them, sit down, run off for a moment and come back. These kinds of moments look more natural than a frozen smile.
One thought usually helps parents: you don’t have to control everything. The photographer knows when it’s worth waiting, when to ask everyone to look at the camera, and when to simply let the family be together.
The location must be convenient for families
A beautiful spot won’t help if it takes a long time to get there, and the children will get tired before you’ve even started. In Šiauliai, for example, you can choose from natural settings, quieter parts of the city or a studio. You’ll find more specific ideas in the article Photo shoot locations in Šiauliai.
If you’d like to book a family photo shoot, please get in touch via contact form. Please specify how many people would be taking part, the ages of the children, and the sort of atmosphere you would like.
How to prepare for the day of the photo shoot
On the day of a family photo shoot, it’s worth allowing more time than you think you’ll need. A sense of rushing rubs off on children and adults very quickly. It’s better to arrive a little early, get dressed at your leisure, let the children settle in, and only then start taking photos.
Before a photo shoot, you shouldn’t spend ages explaining to the children that they’ll need to smile nicely and listen to the photographer. This often just creates tension. It’s better to put it simply: we’re going for a walk, we’ll spend some time together, and the photographer will take some lovely photos. The less pressure there is, the more natural their movements will be.
If you have young children, bring some water, a familiar snack, some wipes and a spare set of clothes. These simple things often save the day. And if the photo shoot is taking place in a studio, getting ready is even simpler, as you don’t have to worry about the weather or the children getting cold between shots.
Things to avoid before a family photo shoot
You shouldn’t change everyone’s clothes at the last minute, try out new hairstyles for the children, or turn the photo shoot into a major ordeal. Simplicity works best for families. If everything is prepared the night before, and on the day of the photo shoot all that’s left to do is get ready calmly, the photos usually show much more warmth and less tension.
The aim of a family photo shoot isn’t to create a perfect day. The aim is to create an environment in which the family can just be themselves. When the plan is simple and expectations are realistic, the photos usually turn out warmer.
